Eye Tests

We recommend regular eye tests for all the family regardless of the need for vision correction. Our Optometrists will be please to advise on how frequently you and your family should have your eyes tested. This is usually between every one and two years.

What happens in an eye test?

Our eye examinations include a discussion about any history and symptoms you may have and a check of any glasses or contact lenses you may already be wearing. Our opticians will also check your vision with and without lenses for near, far and intermediate distances. They will assess the strength of each eye, and will check the eyes external and internal appearance to detect any early signs of conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. Our opticians will advise you if they have detected any problems and will also offer advice on the best type of lens frame or contact lens best suited to your needs. Finally at the end of the eye test you will be handed a copy of your prescription.

All of our practices are equipped with Digital Retinal Cameras

Do my eyes need testing?

Most people who come to have their eyes tested are aware of the fact that they are having eye-related problems or just want a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. Some problems include; inability to see at a certain distance, headaches, tiredness, family history of eye related problems, old age or difficulty with prolonged periods of VDU use. Regardless of whether you are experiencing problems or not we would recommend that you should have an eye test every two years

Common eye problems

Early detection of potential eye problems, by the optician, can prevent greater problems developing and is essential in their correct treatment.

Short sightedness (myopia) - means that the person can see things easier close up than far away. It is most commonly due to the eyeball being slightly longer than average.

Long sightedness (hypermetropia) - means that the person has more difficulty seeing things close up than far away.

Astigmatism - means that the curvature of the front clear surface of the eye is curved more steeply on one meridian than another i.e. like a rugby ball.

Presbyopia (old sight) - means that the crystalline lens located within the eye becomes harder and heavier with age and loses its ability to focus on things close up.

Cataract - is a condition where the crystalline lens becomes opaque. Early symptoms are increased glare and a reduction in the ability to see at distance. Nowadays cataract surgery is very successful and a clear plastic insert is used to replace the opaque material in the lens.

Glaucoma - is a condition where the pressure inside the eye becomes raised, giving rise to pressure on the nerve fibres, which in turn can be destroyed causing a gradual reduction initially in the peripheral visual field. One eye is usually affected before the other and quite a lot of visual loss can occur before it is detected. It is important to have an eye test regularly, especially if you are over 40.

NHS Information

Who is entitled to a free test on the N.H.S?

Under 16's

Under 19's in full time education

Over 60's

People or their partners who are on Income Support, Disabled Person's Tax Credit, income based Job-seeker's Allowance, or Working Families' Tax Credit.

Holders or their partners of an exemption certificate (HC2).

People who require certain types of complex lenses.

People who are diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.

People who are over 40 and have a brother, sister, child or parent with diagnosed glaucoma.

N.H.S. help with glasses

At Stewart Greenberg Opticians we have just the widest choice of glasses and if you qualify for an NHS Optical Voucher you can either simply put the voucher value towards your choice of glasses and pay the difference, or choose from our budget range and have them made for you free of charge.

Who is entitled to N.H.S voucher?

Under 16's

Under 19's in full time education

People or their partners who are on Income Support, Disabled Person's Tax Credit, income based Job-seeker's Allowance, or Working Families' Tax Credit.

Holders or their partners of an exemption certificate (HC2).

People who require certain types of complex lenses.

To find out if you qualify for N.H.S. help with your glasses, ring N.H.S. Direct on 0845 46 47

New Wales Eye Care Service

As well as our full eye and contact lens examination, we can now offer the new extended eye health examination funded by the Welsh Assembly.

Wales Eye Care Services (WECS) FREE OF CHARGE

This examination replaces the previous WECE/PEARS examination.

If you have a sudden eye problem, for example a red eye, sudden floatersor a painful eye you may call into the practice and be seen by one of our WECSaccredited optometrists.

You may also be referred by your general practitioner (GP).

If you are also in one of the following categories you will also be entitled to aFREE EXAMINATION ONCE A YEAR:

Uniocular

Hearing impaired

Retinitis pigmentosa diagnosed by the hospital

Dry macular degeneration which requires monitoring

If you are from an ethnic background (e.g. Black, Caribbean, Asian)you may be at risk of an eye disease

If your father, mother, sibling or child have diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, you may be at risk of eye disease due to the family history